Chelsea fans have been left confused by the lack of rumours around the club this summer. That is not usually how the Blues operate. But this time around, it feels like they might just be keeping their cards close to their chest. Or, perhaps there is going to be a lot less activity than the supporters anticipate.
Xabi Alonso’s arrival as Chelsea manager is expected to play a big part. It is believed that his voice will count for a lot when it comes to the club’s transfer plans moving forward.
That could mean that Chelsea could look to reunite with some of his favourites from his previous clubs. One of them is currently struggling at Liverpool and might need a change of scenery.
The player we are talking about is none other than Dutch international Jeremie Frimpong. According to The Standard, Gaizka Mendieta said:
“Jeremie Frimpong could be a good asset for Xabi Alonso at Chelsea.
“Managers have players they trust from previous clubs and there will be a belief from the player that they can find that form again.
“We often see players reuniting with former coaches for that reason, especially if things aren’t going well for those players like Frimpong at Liverpool.
“It’s a way of getting them back, to form hoping you can get the maximum out of the player and help you win things. I’m sure Chelsea will be active again in the market, they have to let players leave and bring new players in to suit the new coach.”
Frimpong played his best football under Alonso
Frimpong was one of the most effective wing-backs in world football under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. Some of the numbers he was putting up are staggering.
Now, I have had the opportunity to cover Frimpong, going back to his days at Celtic. He was signed as a academy talent from Manchester City in the summer of 2019 and hopes were not high.
Frimpong would surprise everybody, though. He was the starter at right-back ahead of Hatem Abd Elhamed within months and never lost his place in the team after that.
He is also someone who simply has never been the best defensively, going back to his days at Celtic. But Alonso found a way to maximise his effectiveness going forward while hiding his flaws.
Would Liverpool entertain the idea of Frimpong joining Chelsea?
It would be safe to say that Frimpong endured a tough debut season at Liverpool. He had injury problems and was not able to meet expectations.
The managerial change could affect him as well. Arne Slot has been shown the exit door. Andoni Iraola will be replacing him.
Would Frimpong fit Iraola’s system? I am not completely sure. But if the Spaniard thinks that he does not, perhaps Liverpool would open up to the idea of his exit.
This summer, they can probably move him on for a transfer profit. But a season or two of bad football and that transfer valuation will come down quickly.
